No sound is sweeter than the final bell—well, at least for kids. Today marks the last day of school in NYC, and students are thrilled knowing that summer vacation is officially theirs for the taking. Parents...well...it's possible they're not quite as excited for the two-month-long recess.
While youngsters are tossing out their supplies and swapping their uniforms for bathing suits, moms and dads are questioning how long it will take for the fall to arrive. We interviewed parents around NYC, and they have plenty of thoughts about their kids' favorite day of the year!
Parent #1: Preparing for the worst
"My god, they're going to trash the house," says Carlin, a father of four, while out in Bryant Park. "They eat and leave dishes everywhere, and you have to clean up. Then they say 'I'm bored.'"
May the force be with you, Carlin!
Parent #2: Cautiously optimistic
"It's definitely a lot, the dynamic changes but it's also fun," New Jersey mom Jenna says while spending Friday night in Midtown with friends and family. "We have some things planned."
Between beach days and park visits, she's hopeful that the season—which she believes goes so fast—will be a successful one, even if there are some bumps along the way.
Parent #3: Down-right jealous
Summer camp, beach days, pool parties—these kids have it made! Meanwhile, Mom and Dad are schlepping to the subway for a long day at work, where their desks will be piled with assignments.
"The fun starts...for her," Manhattan mom Sandra says about her daughter's final day of school.
Parent #4: Hitting the beach
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. New Jersey mom Morgan is looking forward to a season of sand between her toes, and she's not going to let an atypical schedule stand in her way.
"We'll just go to the beach and hang out," she says.
As the saying goes, "summertime and the living's easy."
Parent #5: Pumped for a book-filled summer
We caught up with an English teacher, Sean Martin, from Ohio who was visiting NYC with his family. He is excited to dig into the books alongside his students—because summer reading is basically the best.
Parent #6: So...when's the first day of school again?
"Bring on September," Linda, a former New Yorker says with a laugh...but is she really joking?
Love it or hate it, summer is officially here. Stay cool, New York!
Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day.
The moment has arrived! Check out the best summer activities for kids, take a trip to visit these fun water parks near NYC and spend the day at the best kids' amusement parks. Enjoy!